Watchtower in Balally

Explorer Tom Saint Mary's Catholic Church presbytery in Balally is a compact two-storey box with a Classical doorcase, restored recently so it’s all tidy. Built for the priests, it’s got stepped chimneys. Show me that good quality workmanship!

Explorer Tom Sandyford Carnegie Free Library is bragging about surviving storms that never happened, thanks to its straightforward design by Rudolph Maximilian Butler. It’s not fancy, just effective, like a good sandwich. Right now, it’s probably judging your reading list from across the street.

Explorer Tom Silver Birch in County Dublin has that pale skin thing going on, which is either elegant or just sunburned. Stand on the spot and imagine the gossip it’s heard about every dog that passed by.

Explorer Tom Monterey Cypress in County Dublin looks like it's trying very hard to look Mediterranean. A local legend says a giant sneezed and planted it by accident. Stand where the owner stood and practise looking smug.

Explorer Tom Kilgobbin Castle in Kilgobbin is an impressive granite tower house that was nearly sold for a horse in some wild tale I made up. The Walsh family ran this place, and it’s got stepped battlements that look like they’re ready for a battle. Have a look and decide if I was lying to you.

Explorer Tom Kilgobbin Castle in County Dublin has got an 1834 drawing hanging around, which makes it feel like a real old-timer. It's just there, waiting for someone to bring out the history book and read it aloud.

Explorer Tom Kilgobbin’s High Cross is standing there looking a bit incomplete, which is very relatable for us all. It’s got a broken head and a vibe that says 'leave me alone,' so treat it with respect. Take the long way round, it deserves the effort.

Explorer Tom Three Rock Mountain in County Dublin is buzzing with radio waves from its transmitter station, overlooking the bay. It’s basically a giant antenna pretending to be a peak, so don’t touch it unless you fancy sparks. Snap a pic!

Explorer Tom Kilmashogue Wedge Tomb in County Dublin is another wedge-shaped mystery. It’s like a giant cheese slice that some ancient folks decided to live in.

Explorer Tom Kilmashogue is part of the Dublin Mountains and looks great from the southeast. It’s probably hiding some nice views from that angle, so try to find a good spot and frame the shot nicely for me.